Milled fluorescent nanodiamonds containing nitrogen-vacancy (NV) centers provide an excellent platform for sensing applications due to their quantum sensitivity to a variety of external fields at nanometer length scales. Currently, irregularity in nanocrystal morphology and the difficulty of functionalizing the nanodiamond surface impede efforts to realize large-scale assemblies of nanodiamonds. Poor control over the NV-center density and orientation and nanodiamond surface chemistry also create significant heterogeneity in the nanodiamonds’ optical and spin characteristics. Here, we present a scalable strategy to form ordered arrays of nanodiamonds using capillary template-assisted self-assembly (Figure A). Unlike traditional self-assembly techniques, this method places few restrictions on the surface chemistry of the assembled nanoparticles. Through proper template design and assembly conditions, we precisely place unmodified milled nanodiamonds from polydisperse colloidal solutions into ordered arrays (Figure B,C). This technique can be extended to assemblies with other nanoparticles and the realization of quantum heterostructures. Automated measurements over large arrays allow us account for the material's morphological heterogeneity. We have specifically correlated the nanodiamonds’ size and NV concentration along with the levels of brightness and quantum characteristics of NV center complexes. These new relationships will enable future studies into surface treatments to enhance the nanodiamond’s optical and spin properties along with integrating them into photonic and electronic devices.

Scalable self assembly of non-uniform quantum emitters

ACS Spring Meeting 2021

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.